UNHAPPY Alvechurch boss Ian Long couldn’t hide his dismay after this week’s EvoStik South Central Premier contest with Barwell was called off owing to a waterlogged Lye Meadow.

Long admitted: “I was really surprised the game was off. Apparently there’s an area around the half way line that’s causing a problem.

“It’s left us with a bit of fixture congestion with 10 games left to play – but it’s nothing we’re not used to.

“What made it worse was the fact all the other results went against us. As a result, we’ve dropped out of the play-off positions.

“The only positive is that we’ve not picked up any new injuries apart from Lee Chilton who was due to have an MRI scan this week, but we’re hoping his injury isn’t anything too sinister as we’re banking on having him back for the run-in”.

The Church were due to visit play-off rivals Kings Lynn this week before travelling to St Ives on Saturday.

Long proved unsuccessful in his attempt to lure Stratford Town playmaker Will Grocott and will not pursue his interest in Bedworth United marksman Levi Rowley after Aaron Lloyd committed his future to the Church.

But Long has served local rivals Redditch United with seven days for their former Blues and Partick Thistle midfield man Jack Storer.

Long added: “It’s vital that we keep putting points on the board. I understand St Ives pitch isn’t one of the best, which will bring its own problems, but at least we go into these games with everyone fresh”.